These articles and links are offered to help you learn more about the fields of aging and disability, and the issues facing older adults and people with disabilities, from a variety of perspectives. Check back soon -- we're still building this section!

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Aging

White House Conference on Aging

The White House Conference on Aging (WHCOA) was last held on July 13, 2015. It marked the 50th anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act, as well as the 80th anniversary of Social Security. The 2015 WHCOA provided an opportunity to recognize the importance of these key programs as well as to look ahead to the issues that will help shape the landscape for older Americans for the next decade.

In 2015, WHCOA produced a series of Policy Briefs on four topics: healthy aging, long-term services and supports, elder justice, and retirement security. After the Conference, the White House produced a Final Report.

“Reframing Aging” Project

A coalition of aging-focused organizations is funding research into how Americans understand the needs and contributions of older adults. Reports and background on this project are available from the FrameWorks Institute:

ACL and AoA play a vital role in information exchange on aging issues with other countries, and in collaborating with international organizations to enhance aging programs and policies worldwide. The U.S. government promotes the human rights of older persons by calling attention to the needs of older people and recommending approaches for governments and international organizations to respond to those needs. ACL also highlights the tremendous resources that older individuals provide to our communities and society: older adults offer a wealth of knowledge and experience, and contribute to the vitality of our local, state, and national communities and economies.

In 2002, the United Nations (UN) adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging (MIPAA), to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population aging in the 21st Century and to promote the development of a society “for all ages." As a Member State of the UN, the U.S. regularly participates in the UN-led Open-ended Working Group on Aging which reviews MIPAA implementation and periodically reports to the UN on progress. See the First Review and Appraisal of MIPAA (2007), Second Review and Appraisal (2011), and Third Review and Appraisal (2016).

ACL has played a significant role in raising international attention to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and the lifetime disparities experienced by older women that can impact their welfare in later life. In collaboration with international organizations and the U.S. Department of State, efforts include:

Leave No-One Behind: Aging, Gender, and the SDGs:Policy brief highlighting the role of older persons in achieving the new UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting on the challenges and opportunities presented by growing aging populations worldwide

Violence Against Older Women: ACL collaborated with a number of globally recognized organizations to produce this brief as part of the Violence Against Women and Girls Resource Guide

Global AgeWatch Index. This online portal, produced by HelpAge International, offers information on the demographics of aging and social, political, and economic markers. It ranks countries by how well their older populations are faring.

AgeSource Worldwide. This database provides access to statistical data that compare the situations of older adults across countries or regions around a variety of issues.

National Council on the Aging This association of organizations and professionals is dedicated to promoting the dignity, self-determination, well-being, and contributions of older persons.

National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care This is the leading national voice representing consumers in issues related to long-term care, helping to ensure that consumers are empowered to advocate for themselves. Consumer Voice maintains the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center, funded by ACL. The section for “new ombudsmen” is a rich resource for learning about the history, law, funding streams, key organizations, and best practices.